Views: 222 Author: Loretta Publish Time: 2025-11-20 Origin: Site
Content Menu
● Leading UK Greeting Card Manufacturers and Suppliers
>> Gemma International, Andover
>> Green Pebble, Beccles, Suffolk
>> Happy Hound Cards, Ringwould, Kent
>> Cards Direct
● OEM Services in Greeting Cards and Packaging
● Industry Trends and Innovations in UK Greeting Card Manufacturing
● FAQ
>> 1. What kinds of greeting cards do UK manufacturers produce?
>> 2. How do UK greeting card companies promote sustainability?
>> 3. Are custom or OEM greeting card packaging services available in the UK?
>> 4. What finishing techniques enhance UK greeting cards?
>> 5. How do UK suppliers support retailers in selling greeting cards?
The UK greeting cards industry is renowned for its rich heritage, creativity, and quality craftsmanship. Greeting cards manufacturers and suppliers in the UK cater to a diverse range of occasions, styles, and themes, offering products that blend tradition with innovation and sustainability. This article explores the leadingGreeting Cards Manufacturers and Suppliers in the UK, highlighting their unique strengths, as well as the complementary OEM packaging and printing solutions provided by companies like Shenzhen XingKun Packing Products Co., Ltd. for international brands. Through an in-depth look at notable companies, industry trends, and manufacturing excellence, this comprehensive guide serves as a resource for retailers, distributors, and brand owners seeking the best in UK greeting card production.

Based in East Sussex, Crumble & Core specializes in beautifully handcrafted watercolor greeting cards hand-embellished with gemstones. Their charming and distinctly British designs range from wildlife to iconic London imagery. Each card reflects artisanal craftsmanship, making them highly sought after by consumers who appreciate artistic uniqueness and a personal touch.
Established in 1984, Gemma International is a major player in the UK greeting card and party product sector. It boasts licensed ranges featuring popular characters such as Hello Kitty, Disney, and Nintendo alongside its own successful in-house collections like Gem Fairies. This diverse portfolio mirrors their vast industry experience and ability to serve both retailers and end customers with broad appeal.
Green Pebble specializes in fine art greeting cards that showcase the original artworks of British artists. Their portfolio includes paintings, illustrations, collages, and traditional Batik art, offering a blend of contemporary and classical styles. Found in some of the UK's finest gift and lifestyle shops, Green Pebble celebrates creativity while supporting local artists.
Happy Hound Cards is known for its pet-themed cards, especially for dog and cat lovers. Their cards feature pen and ink sketches, cartoons, and bespoke designs printed on recyclable, eco-friendly cardstock. With an emphasis on sustainability, their FSC-certified products appeal to environmentally conscious consumers who seek quality and thoughtful design.
The Sherwood Group stands out for its full-service card manufacturing capabilities including advanced finishing techniques such as foiling, embossing, laser cutting, and eco-friendly printing. With over three decades of expertise, Sherwood is renowned for bespoke services, smartcard consultancy, and prototype development. Their award-winning quality and innovation make them a top-tier manufacturer and supplier.
An independent UK retailer and supplier, Cards Direct provides factory-direct greeting cards with a focus on excellent customer service and competitive pricing. Their vertically integrated business model ensures that customers receive high-quality cards efficiently and reliably.
Riverside Greetings caters to the convenience sector by offering consignment greeting card solutions and merchandising support. They help retailers optimize sales through appealing displays and effective category management, boosting profitability and shopper satisfaction.
- Card Connection — This leading supplier offers a wide range of greeting cards, including birthday, wedding, sympathy, and holiday designs, distributing to around 12,000 retailers across the UK and Ireland.
- Northern Cards — Providing a variety of environmentally friendly and creative greetings cards, Northern Cards is a notable presence in the UK market.

For brands looking beyond standalone cards to custom packaging and product displays, professional OEM services are essential. Shenzhen XingKun Packing Products Co., Ltd. is a prime example of an international company offering tailored OEM solutions such as custom display stands, paper and plastic boxes, notebooks, playing cards, flashcards, stickers, labels, and brochures. Their advanced printing technology and creative designs help overseas brands enhance product presentation and shelf impact, complementing greeting card offerings and expanding market reach.
The UK greeting card industry continuously evolves, driven by consumer preferences and technology advancements. Key trends include:
- Sustainability: Manufacturers increasingly use recycled and FSC-certified papers, soy-based inks, and environmentally friendly production processes to reduce ecological footprints. Brands like Happy Hound Cards and Ohh Deer exemplify this commitment.
- Advanced Finishing: Techniques such as embossing, foiling, laser cutting, and glitter application add tactile and visual appeal, creating premium products that stand out on shelves.
- Digital Customization: Digital printing allows brands to offer personalized cards with variable data printing for small runs, enabling bespoke messages and unique designs.
- Interactive Design: Incorporating pop-ups, laser-cut patterns, and hand-applied embellishments makes greeting cards engaging and memorable.
- Artist Collaborations: Partnerships with independent artists and illustrators help brands offer authentic and original artworks that resonate emotionally with consumers.
These trends reflect an industry balancing heritage craftsmanship with modern technology and consumer demands for both quality and sustainability.
The UK greeting cards industry boasts a vibrant ecosystem of manufacturers and suppliers delivering exceptional quality and diverse product ranges. From small artisanal studios like Crumble & Core to industry leaders such as Sherwood Group, companies combine creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation to meet evolving market needs. Sustainable practices and cutting-edge finishing techniques ensure that UK greeting cards remain both beautiful and responsible choices for consumers worldwide. Moreover, international collaborations with OEM service providers like Shenzhen XingKun Packing Products Co., Ltd. enable brands to extend product lines with custom packaging and printed solutions that match the sophistication of greeting cards. Whether you are a retailer, brand owner, or wholesaler, the UK's greeting cards manufacturers and suppliers offer unparalleled expertise and quality for all your greeting card needs.

UK manufacturers produce a wide array of greeting cards including birthday, wedding, holiday, sympathy, pet-themed, licensed character, and fine art cards. The variety caters to diverse customer preferences and occasions.
Many companies use FSC-certified and recycled paper, environmentally friendly inks, and sustainable printing methods. Eco-conscious brands prioritize recyclable materials and reduce waste in production.
Yes, companies like Shenzhen XingKun Packing Products Co., Ltd. offer OEM services that include custom packaging, display stands, and printed promotional materials to complement greeting card products for international brands.
Common finishing includes embossing, foiling, glitter application, laser cutting, spot varnishing, and hand embellishments, all adding texture, shine, and sophistication to the cards.
Suppliers provide consignment sales options, merchandising advice, appealing display units, and category management to help retailers optimize greeting card sales and enhance the shopping experience.
[1](https://supplier-directory.betterretailing.com/suppliers/category/greetings-cards/)
[2](https://northerncards.com/blogs/nc/my-top-50-uk-greeting-card-publishers-part-1-of-3)
[3](https://ensun.io/search/greeting-card/united-kingdom)
[4](https://www.gca.cards/directory/)
[5](https://www.esources.co.uk/wholesale-suppliers/295/)
[6](https://afrotouch.design/blogs/news/the-ultimate-greeting-card-suppliers-list)
[7](http://www.cardgains.co.uk/supplier-portfolio.php)
[8](https://www.andersonswholesale.co.uk/shop/vcat3.asp?cat=1089003936)
[9](https://www.topdrawer.co.uk/Blog/uk-wholesale-greeting-cards-top-suppliers-discover)
[10](https://www.gca.cards/region/north-west/)